Rollover accidents are among the most violent and catastrophic types of crashes that can happen on Wisconsin roads. When another driver’s negligence, a dangerous roadway condition, or a defective vehicle causes a rollover, injured victims often have the right to pursue compensation through a personal injury claim.
If you were injured in a rollover crash in northeastern Wisconsin, speaking with a Green Bay car accident attorney may help you better understand your legal options. Contact us today to schedule a free consultation.
Why Rollover Accidents are So Dangerous
Although rollovers make up only about 3% of serious crashes, they account for 13% of passenger vehicle occupant deaths nationwide.
Unlike a standard collision, where the impact may happen once, rollover accidents involve multiple violent impacts as the vehicle flips repeatedly. Occupants may be thrown against the roof, steering wheel, windows, and doors during each rotation.
These crashes frequently involve:
- Roof crush injuries
- Partial or complete ejection from the vehicle
- Multiple points of impact
- Crushing force from collapsing vehicle structures
- Severe trauma affecting several body systems at once
Because a huge amount of force is required to overturn a vehicle, rollover crashes are highly likely to cause catastrophic or fatal injuries. Each rotation can subject occupants to sudden, violent movement that increases the risk of head trauma, spinal damage, and internal injuries.
SUVs, pickup trucks, and vans are more prone to rollovers because their higher centers of gravity can make them less stable during sharp turns, collisions, or sudden maneuvers.
Rollover crashes also carry a greater risk of partial or complete ejection compared to many other types of collisions. Occupants who are thrown from the vehicle may suffer life-threatening injuries after striking the roadway or nearby objects.
Common Causes of Rollover Accidents
Many rollover crashes happen because of another party’s negligence. In these situations, injured victims may have grounds for a legal claim.
Another Driver Strikes Your Vehicle
One of the most common rollover scenarios involves another driver causing the initial collision. Side-impact crashes and high-speed impacts can easily force a vehicle onto its side or roof.
For example, a distracted or speeding driver who runs a red light and collides with the side of your SUV may cause your vehicle to roll over. In these situations, the at-fault driver may be responsible for injuries, medical expenses, lost wages, and other damages.
High speeds make rollover crashes even more severe because drivers have less time to react safely or regain control after an impact. Speed also increases the force transferred during a collision, making a rollover more likely.
A Rolling Vehicle Crashes into You
Sometimes another driver loses control of their own vehicle first. A speeding or reckless driver may overcorrect, roll over, and crash into nearby vehicles.
Even though your vehicle may not have rolled itself, you can still suffer devastating injuries from the impact of another vehicle tumbling into your lane.
Vehicle and Tire Defects
Certain rollover accidents result from defective vehicle components or dangerous design flaws.
Examples may include:
- Tire blowouts
- Defective suspension systems
- Steering failures
- Electronic stability control malfunctions
- Roof defects
In these cases, the vehicle manufacturer, parts manufacturer, or another company in the distribution chain may be legally responsible. Product liability claims involving rollover accidents are highly complex and require extensive investigation and expert analysis.
In some rollover crashes, the roof partially collapses during the impact sequence. Roof crush accidents can trap occupants inside the vehicle and increase the risk of traumatic brain injuries, spinal cord damage, and fatal compression injuries.
Dangerous Road Conditions
Hazardous roadway conditions can also contribute to rollover crashes. Poorly maintained roads, uneven shoulders, missing guardrails, large potholes, or dangerous construction zones may increase the risk of a vehicle overturning.
Depending on the circumstances, a government agency or road contractor could share liability for the accident.
Most Common Injuries in Rollover Accidents
Rollover crashes often cause catastrophic injuries because of the violent forces involved, including:
Traumatic Brain Injuries
Traumatic brain injuries (TBIs) are common in rollovers because occupants may strike their heads multiple times during the crash. Even with airbags and seat belts, victims may suffer:
- Concussions
- Brain bleeding
- Cognitive impairment
- Memory loss
- Permanent neurological damage
Some brain injuries may not show symptoms immediately, making prompt medical evaluation extremely important.
Spinal Cord Injuries
The twisting and crushing forces involved in rollovers can seriously damage the spinal cord and vertebrae.
Victims may experience:
- Herniated discs
- Nerve damage
- Partial paralysis
- Complete paralysis
- Chronic pain and mobility limitations
Spinal cord injuries often require lifelong medical treatment and rehabilitation.
Broken Bones and Orthopedic Injuries
Fractures are extremely common in rollover crashes because occupants are often thrown violently around the vehicle during the multiple impacts. The crushing forces involved can easily cause serious orthopedic injuries requiring surgery and lengthy rehabilitation.
Victims may suffer broken:
- Arms
- Legs
- Ribs
- Hips
- Facial bones
- Collarbones
Many victims require surgery, physical therapy, and extended recovery periods.
Internal Injuries
The violent force of a rollover can damage organs even when a seat belt prevents ejection. Internal bleeding and organ damage are especially dangerous because symptoms may not appear right away, causing treatment to be delayed and allowing complications to worsen.
Without immediate medical treatment, internal trauma can become life-threatening.
What to Do After a Rollover Accident
After a rollover caused by another party, it is important to protect both your health and your potential legal claim.
You should:
- Call 911 immediately
- Seek emergency medical care right away
- Take photos and video of the scene if possible
- Gather witness information
- Avoid discussing fault with insurance companies
- Preserve the vehicle whenever possible, especially if a defect may be involved
Medical records, crash scene evidence, and vehicle inspections often become critical pieces of evidence in rollover accident claims.
Who May Be Liable for a Rollover Crash?
Depending on how the accident occurred, multiple parties may potentially be responsible, including:
- Negligent drivers
- Vehicle manufacturers
- Tire manufacturers
- Government agencies
- Road maintenance contractors
Rollover accident investigations are often highly technical and may require crash reconstruction analysis, vehicle inspections, black box data, engineering evaluations, and preservation of evidence before damaged vehicles are repaired or destroyed.
Wisconsin law allows injured victims to seek compensation for medical bills, lost income, pain and suffering, future medical care, and other damages resulting from the crash.
Contact Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers
Rollover accident claims can be complicated because they may involve multiple liable parties, catastrophic injuries, and extensive insurance disputes. A skilled Green Bay car accident attorney can investigate the crash, preserve critical evidence, and help pursue the full compensation you may deserve.
The sooner an attorney can begin investigating a rollover crash, the better the opportunity to secure critical evidence and identify every potentially responsible party.
If you or a loved one was injured in a rollover accident in Green Bay or anywhere in northeastern Wisconsin, contact Brian Hodgkiss Injury Lawyers for help pursuing the compensation and accountability you deserve.
